What’s In Season Now, Other Markets – Sponsored by Vera Chicago

Where Else May You Find Peaches?

We’ve turned the corner, fruit-wise from berries and cherries to the prizes of local bounty, the earliest peaches and apricots. I dare ye of little faith to taste test these fruits against your Georgia peaches, your California giants. And this week, maybe see where else you may find a bushel or two. Both Jeannie and I, in our round-ups, tend to focus on certain key markets, your Green City’s, your Evanston’s. There are many other farmer’s markets in the Chicago area. There are also some great markets only a short day trip away. Try something else, and when you get there, as always, use our farmer’s market shopping tips to make the most of what you find. For additional events and happenings such as the opening of the Sugar Beet Coop, Advocates for Urban Agriculture’s Summer Soiree, and various farm dinners, see Jeannie’s fully color-coded Local Calendar.
Photo Jeannie Boutelle

What’s In Season Now

Like we were saying we dare you to compare the peaches in our markets to the peaches you get in big box parking lots or banal grocery chains. It’s not just fruit. You will not find better cucumbers than my wife is selling right now from Tomato Mountain. Yes, we own up to various bias in promoting this things, but we still want you to get them. You will know the difference. We’ve highlighted some other things to look for this week in markets.

From the Ground

From the Trees and Bushes

Year round

Meats, poultry, lake fish

Eggs

Milk, cheese and other dairy

Mushrooms

Grains and breads

Preserved and jarred products

Where to Find Local Food

Almost all markets are running now. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites and some to we need to check out. In addition to markets, there are several stores in the Chicago area that focus on selling local foods.

Chicago

Columbus Park, on the west-est side of Chicago has quite an interesting public golf course. Give it a whirl some time, and if you come on a Tuesday, you can also hit the farmer’s market from 2 PM to 7 PM. This market accepts the LINK card. – Harrison St. and Central Ave

Looking for the Condiment Queen and her tauted cucumbers and you cannot make it to Oak Park because you live in the Big City. Well, Tomato Mountain and some of the other Oak Park Farmer’s Market faves like Geneva Lakes produce and Hardin Farms Michigan fruit are at the Andersonville Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 3 PM to 8 PM. This market accepts the LINK card – 1500 Berwyn

Urbana

This is not quite the Dane County Farmer’s Market of Illinois, but the Urbana Farmer’s Market does fill up a square and feature a lot of vendors. Coming from Chicago, you’ll find unexpected treasures like walnuts that can grow in the other end of the state. This market accepts the LINK card. Saturdays from 7 AM to 12 Pm - Corner of Illinois & Vine Streets in Downtown Urbana

South Bend, Indiana

This great, year-round, operation epitomizes the regional farmer’s market. Fruit and vegetables from nearby farms, rural butchers, and the right amount of kitsch. Also a classic cafe where you can get your omelette smothered in sausage gravy. Summertime, the market is opened Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (with the most vendors on Saturday). Market opens at 7 AM, closing time varies. - 1105 Northside Boulevard, South Bend, IN

Milwaukee, Wisconsin/Bay View

Have you ever driven to Milwaukee from Chicago? When you approach downtown from Interstate 94, you wind up on some crazy ramps. Personally, we’re not so keen on them, so we almost always get off and approach via Kinnickinnic Ave. and the Bay View area. It’s a great mix of old and new, hip and entrenched, and not to far, on Saturday’s is the South Shore Farmer’s Market. Wisconsin farmer’s markets bring (at least) two things you don’t see around here: cheesemakers you don’t know and Hmong farmers with vegetables you might now know. Saturdays from 8 AM to 12 PM - South Shore Park,2900 South Shore Drive – Milwaukee, WI

South Barrington

Before every village, sub-division and township had their own farmer’s market, people would take a ride out to the country from fresh fruits and vegetables. South Barrington is mostly not country anymore, but pockets remain including the Goebbert Farm and Garden Center. Daily through September 9 AM to 6 PM – 40 W. Higgins

Very close Beet ties to this one, so get there on Saturday and shop, shop, shop. Saturdays 8 AM to Noon - 6210 Dempster

Geneva

Do you think we’re not gonna include something way far away? The Geneva Green Market has been focusing on organic and sustainable farmers for a while and is worth the visit if you are anywhere close (or not as it’s a great drive or a great train ride). Thursdays 9 AM to 1 PM - 327 Hamilton Street

Northbrook

In memory of Mom. She was a volunteer here - Wednesdays from 7 AM to 1 Pm – Cherry Lane and Meadow Road

. What’s In Season and Where to Find It – Sponsored by Vera 1023 W. Lake, Chicago